My wireless is really weak... can I do anything to fix it?

Question

I have three computers in my house. two are connected right to the router and one is upstairs and is wireless. The wireless always worked fine, and would only occasionally cut out. I moved the computer into a different room, and now it doesn't work. Everything is set up fine, I think the problem is that they are too far away, the wireless card and the router. Is there something I can do, or buy to strengthen the signal? one of my friends said I can buy an antenna but he doesn't know what kind.

I can't move the router closer, or connect a wire because the router is connected by wire to two computers downstairs and the wireless computer is upstairs.
And for the powerline adapter, how does it work?

Answer 1

Not too far away, but something IN THE WAY. The signal can be blocked by a chimney, metal file cabinet and other objects of brick, concrete or metal. The signal blasts through plaster and sheetrock and even wood with ease.

So position your router and computer so the two can "see each other".

Or try a Power Line Adapter. NewEgg carries these, but seem to be out of stock. But Buy.com has them. Get a PAIR of these at first to try these locations, then add one more at a time as needed.

ZyXEL PL-100 85Mbps Powerline Ethernet Adapter - PL100 - $48.99 - from BUY.com
http://affiliate.buy.com/gateway.aspx?adid=17662&aid=10387719&pid=2594269&sURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buy.com%2Fretail%2FProduct.asp%3Fsku%3D202527043%26SearchEngine%3DCJaffiliate%26Type%3DCJ%26Keyword%3D202527043%26Category%3DComp&cjsku=202527043

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

I have never heard of anyone buying an antenna but trying moving the wireless router away from other electrical items or maybe something is blocking the signals. If nothings solves it then the walls of your house are very thick thats why the signal disconnects or trying moving the wireless router somewhere high.

Answer 3

YOur best bet is to try and place your wireless router in a good location....away from obstruction, microwaves and cordless phones....if your having trouble getting the signal upstairs getting a TALLER antenna WILL NOT HELP, most cases it will make it worse (i promise)
Pm me with any additional questions.

Answer 4

High gain antennae. You an use them, but they are expensive. You'd be better off buying a nice new N router. You could also put in a repeater, but again those things are pricey.

Answer 5

Yes you can buy antennas for your router, but it would be easier to run a wire to the wireless computer or move your router closer. See

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=58

or

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416829339&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=2933919675B03